I started to strip down my 54 Bel Air a couple of weeks ago and am trying to decide on some modifications. It has a 6 cylinder engine with standard transmission. I am thinking about upgrading suspension, power brakes, power steering.

But I am also thinking about changing out tranny for an automatic and changing differential so car is better on the highway.

Any suggestions on what to look for for tranny and diff? Also, if I install Heidts front suspension (with rack and pinion steering) anyone have any ideas that I would need to add for steering? Original gearbox is part of column tube....

If I was swapping the transmission and rear end I would go to a 4 speed overdrive with 3:73 gears.

gdstock

10-10-2012 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 455olds
(Post 1598140)

If I was swapping the transmission and rear end I would go to a 4 speed overdrive with 3:73 gears.

What would be a good donor car for this (or what trans would you recommend)? Would it be easy to regear the rear end or better to swap it out? (haven't fone anything on rear ends before).

matt167

10-10-2012 09:25 PM

That car has a torque tube diff, so if you want to swap the trans, you need a new rear end. 2nd gen Camaro rear will fit up and it will hold up.. If you just wanted a better driver and a stock 3spd, then you could just get the rear out of a '51-'54 Powerglide car as PG cars had 3.73's and stick cars had 4.11's
A 700R4 Auto is a good auto, but the 235 if in stock form is going to 'feel' overdrive a bit. I would keep 4.11 gearing if you went with the OD trans.

My car ( '51 Fleetline, 235/ Powerglide ) will go down the road about 60 MPH with more to spare ( 60 is as far as I'v taken it ), but it cruises best at 50-55 MPH

gdstock

10-10-2012 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt167
(Post 1598160)

That car has a torque tube diff, so if you want to swap the trans, you need a new rear end. 2nd gen Camaro rear will fit up and it will hold up.. If you just wanted a better driver and a stock 3spd, then you could just get the rear out of a '51-'54 Powerglide car as PG cars had 3.73's and stick cars had 4.11's
A 700R4 Auto is a good auto, but the 235 if in stock form is going to 'feel' overdrive a bit. I would keep 4.11 gearing if you went with the OD trans.

My car ( '51 Fleetline, 235/ Powerglide ) will go down the road about 60 MPH with more to spare ( 60 is as far as I'v taken it ), but it cruises best at 50-55 MPH

Thanks for the info!

Could the 235 be upgraded to handle the 700R4? i understand that the early corvettes had the 235 in them. I would really like it to handle 70 mph pretty easily if it can be done (without costing a fortune). I'll look for a Camaro rear end!

matt167

10-10-2012 10:26 PM

Yes. with the OD, it probably could do 70 MPH on the highway. Stock form it probably won't hold the speed very well on anything other than flat ground. dual carb Intake and headders will strengthen it up quite a bit tho.

Crosley

10-11-2012 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdstock
(Post 1598166)

Thanks for the info!

Could the 235 be upgraded to handle the 700R4? i understand that the early corvettes had the 235 in them. I would really like it to handle 70 mph pretty easily if it can be done (without costing a fortune). I'll look for a Camaro rear end!

A 235 inline 6 engine will require an adapter setup to install the 700r4 trans onto the 235 engine. LAst time I checked that adapter setup was in the area of 550.00 to 600 dollars

AutoGear

10-11-2012 07:00 AM

Why not a 3spd stick with a Warner overdrive? Perfectly suitable for what you're trying to do; you could also use a T5, although Im not sure WHICH T5 the inliner crew prefers. I'm sure someone here can provide the info. The T5 swap is probably more involved than the 3spd. If you're keeping the motor stock, and want to keep the 'feel' of the car, I believe the 3spd stick would be unique and work well for your application. I'd also put a 3.55 to 3.73 set of gears in the car.

Edit: Its seems strange to say something that was commonly used in the 50s and 60s as being 'unique' :)

big gear head

10-11-2012 06:12 PM

The 1st gen Camaro rear end is 60 inches wide and the 2nd gen Camaro rear end is 61 inches wide. You should measure what you have and see which one would fit best.

gdstock

10-11-2012 06:59 PM

Thanks for the info guys. I'll have to google the Warner OD.

And 500 to 600 for an adapter....not sure I am ready to put that much into adapter. Rather spend on suspension of interior than adapter...

Any thought on what would need to be done to replace steering gearbox if I go with rack and pinion from either Heidts or CE?

On measuring the rear end, is that from wheel flange on axle to teh other side? (Haven't done any rear end work or swapping before).

big gear head

10-11-2012 08:10 PM

Yes, where the wheels bolt on. That's the total width.

gdstock

10-11-2012 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big gear head
(Post 1598345)

Yes, where the wheels bolt on. That's the total width.

Thank you. I will go measure it tomorrow. I will also measure where the springs mount so I can make sure that will fit up or have to be modified to make something work.

Thanks for all the info!

big gear head

10-11-2012 08:43 PM

You will have to change the spring perches. Your springs will be narrower than the Camaro springs and in a different location.

gdstock

10-11-2012 08:55 PM

Thanks. Spring Perch. Could not remember what they were called! ...lol... I think I have seen them on Summit's site and a few other places. Hopefully I can leave the original in place and new ones will fit up to prevent cutting on axle tube if possible.

All this makes me want to go back out to garage and work some tonight. Could not do anything today as I ahd to yake FIL to VA hospital for appointment. He likes to sit out in garage and watch me work!

AutoGear

10-12-2012 07:05 AM

good luck, if you have questions, just ask. Tell Father In Law "thanks for his service" from the Hotrodders.com Crew